Buddy's bar-b-q CEO Mark Lemoncelli Named in VIP Knoxville Magazine's 50 Under 50 List

For more than 50 years, Buddy’s bar-b-q has brought East Tennesseans together over hickory-smoked favorites, Southern hospitality and a tradition that feels like home. Now, CEO Mark Lemoncelli has been named in VIP Knoxville Magazine’s 50 Under 50 list, recognizing his leadership, business success and commitment to the community as he helps carry the beloved hometown brand into its next 50 years.

Lemoncelli’s path to leading Buddy’s bar-b-q began long before he stepped into his role as CEO. Raised by a father who owned a successful chain of restaurants, he knew early on that the business would be part of his future. Years later, that path led him to Buddy’s through his wife Jaime, granddaughter of Buddy’s bar-b-q founder Buddy Smothers, bringing together his lifelong connection to the restaurant industry with the opportunity to carry forward a well-established East Tennessee brand.

“I want to move the Buddy’s brand forward while always preserving the roots it was built on,” said Lemoncelli. “I have great respect for Buddy Smothers and the mission behind the very first restaurant — to make authentic Southern classics and serve them to the community at a great value. Even as things change, it’s important that we don’t deviate from that very simple standard. It’s at the heart of who we are, and it’s given me a great sense of purpose.”

Today, Lemoncelli is focused on honoring the history and values that built Buddy’s while continuing to evolve the company for the future. Over the past year, Buddy’s earned first-place recognition across multiple categories in the Knox Stars Community’s Choice Awards and Anderson County Best of 2025 Awards. The franchise has also continued to expand its menu with new offerings including Mac & Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Banana Pudding and seasonal shakes, while staying rooted in the slow-cooked bar-b-q that has defined Buddy’s for generations.

For more than five decades, Buddy’s has served communities throughout East Tennessee, growing from humble beginnings into a beloved regional brand known for authentic, hickory-smoked bar-b-q. Pork, chicken and ribs are smoked on-site daily and served alongside classic Southern sides including coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad. Hushpuppies, seasonal shakes, desserts and other menu favorites round out the offerings, all centered around generous portions, approachable prices and family-friendly appeal.

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, Lemoncelli remains focused on helping Buddy’s grow while staying true to what has made the brand successful for generations. His recognition as one of VIP Knoxville’s 50 Under 50 underscores that balance between preserving Buddy’s longstanding legacy and positioning the franchise for what comes next.